Frontiers in Immunology (Nov 2024)

Single-cell sequencing unveils mitophagy-related prognostic model for triple-negative breast cancer

  • Peikai Ding,
  • Shengbin Pei,
  • Zheng Qu,
  • Yazhe Yang,
  • Qiang Liu,
  • Xiangyi Kong,
  • Zhongzhao Wang,
  • Jing Wang,
  • Yi Fang

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2024.1489444
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 15

Abstract

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BackgroundTriple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer lacking hormone receptors and HER2 expression, leading to limited treatment options and poor prognosis. Mitophagy, a selective autophagy process targeting damaged mitochondria, plays a complex role in cancer progression, yet its prognostic significance in TNBC is not well understood.MethodsThis study utilized single-cell RNA sequencing data from the TCGA and GEO databases to identify mitophagy-related genes (MRGs) associated with TNBC. A prognostic model was developed using univariate Cox analysis and LASSO regression. The model was validated across multiple independent cohorts, and correlations between MRG expression, immune infiltration, and drug sensitivity were explored.ResultsNine key MRGs were identified and used to stratify TNBC patients into high-risk and low-risk groups, with the high-risk group showing significantly worse survival outcomes. The model demonstrated strong predictive accuracy across various datasets. Additionally, the study revealed a correlation between higher MRG expression levels and increased immune cell infiltration, as well as potential responsiveness to specific chemotherapeutic agents.ConclusionThe mitophagy-related prognostic model offers a novel method for predicting outcomes in TNBC patients and highlights the role of mitophagy in influencing the tumor microenvironment, with potential applications in personalized treatment strategies.

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